Fuel Economy and Range

An engine control system that can shut down half of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the CX-5 non-turbo’s fuel efficiency. The Highlander Hybrid doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

Brakes and Stopping

The CX-5 stops shorter than the Highlander Hybrid:

CX-5

Highlander

60 to 0 MPH

133 feet

138 feet

Consumer Reports

60 to 0 MPH (Wet)

144 feet

146 feet

Consumer Reports

Suspension and Handling

The CX-5 has engine speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Highlander Hybrid doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

Chassis

The Mazda CX-5 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 1150 to 1300 pounds less than the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

The CX-5 is 1 foot, 1.4 inches shorter than the Highlander Hybrid, making the CX-5 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

Passenger Space

The front step up height for the CX-5 is 1.7 inches lower than the Highlander Hybrid (17.6” vs. 19.3”). The CX-5’s rear step up height is 1.3 inches lower than the Highlander Hybrid’s (18.2” vs. 19.5”).

Cargo Capacity

Ergonomics

The CX-5 offers a remote vehicle starting system, so the vehicle can be started from inside the driver's house. This allows the driver to comfortably warm up the engine before going out to the vehicle. The climate system will also automatically heat or cool the interior. The Highlander Hybrid doesn’t offer a remote starting system.

The CX-5 offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Highlander Hybrid doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

To help drivers see further while navigating curves, the CX-5 Grand Touring/Signature has standard adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle. The Highlander Hybrid doesn’t offer cornering lights.

Model Availability

The CX-5 is available in both front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Highlander Hybrid doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the CX-5 owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the CX-5 will cost $270 to $1500 less than the Highlander Hybrid over a five-year period.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Mazda CX-5 will be $6434 to $9786 less than for the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.

Recommendations

The CX-5 was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Five/10Best Trucks” in 2018. The Highlander Hybrid has never been a Car and Driver “Top Five/10Best Truck” pick.